Jake Paul has intensified his ongoing feud with rival Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, labeling the five-time world champion a “fraud” and accusing him of representing “everything that’s wrong with boxing.”
Paul claims that Davis needs to be “knocked out” to account for the “lies he says,” escalating tensions ahead of their November 14 bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, which will stream live on Netflix.
The fight, initially scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, was relocated after Rick Thompson, chairman of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, publicly raised concerns about the matchup.
While the bout is officially billed as an exhibition, it will still be scored by three judges, making it a clash of pride and reputation, even if it does not count toward either fighter’s professional record.
Paul has been vocal about his frustrations with Davis, especially regarding a disputed $2 million side bet made live on stage during their press tour earlier this month.
Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Paul said: “For me, this is personal. Gervonta is unprofessional. He’s everything that’s wrong with boxing. He is a fraud. He says things on stage and then doesn’t agree to it, like the $2 million bet, like moving it to 10-ounce gloves. We’re still at 12-ounce gloves. He’s a joke. At the end of the day, a lot of people say things in this sport, and that’s why for so many years, it was dying.
“I came in, put my money where my mouth is every single time. I saved the sport. I back everything up. I make big moments, I make fights happen, I agree to fight in any condition. So for me, he needs to be knocked out and pay for some of these lies that he says on stage.”
High drama on the press tour
The controversy erupted during the pair’s fiery press tour stop in Miami, where insults flew and tempers flared.
The side bet itself began modestly, with streamer Adin Ross suggesting a $250,000 wager. Davis doubled it to $500,000, before Paul countered with $1 million, prompting Davis to escalate to $2 million, sealed with a handshake in front of cameras.
Moments later, Davis backtracked on social media, declaring: “He was never getting that 2million. I don’t give a f** what happens,” sparking Paul’s ire.
The dispute has extended to other fight conditions, including glove size. Paul claims Davis has not honored the promised switch to 10-ounce gloves. The chaotic lead-up has included multiple shoves at face-offs and moments where security had to intervene.
Adding to the drama, Davis was reportedly caught off-guard mid-press conference when informed that the fight would take place at a 195-pound catchweight.
Despite the chaos, Paul insists the feud has only strengthened his determination.
“This is the biggest and riskiest fight of my career,” he said. “I respect Tank a lot. That’s why I wanted it. He’s going to bring the best out of me. But this sport is about backing up your words, and I always do that. He doesn’t.”
With the Miami showdown just weeks away, fans can expect an event filled with high stakes, heated exchanges, and the potential for explosive action inside the ring.
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